NZR WE class

The NZR W^E Class were rebuilt from earlier Sharp Stewart built B class locomotives. In service, the first two were tried on the Rimutaka Incline, however, they lacked the required adhesion on the 1 in 15 (6.67%) grade. They were later transferred to Greymouth for use on the Rewanui Incline, where they were far more successful, on the line's 1 in 25 (4%) grade. It is not known if they ever operated on the Roa Incline.

NZR WE class
WE class No. 198
Type and origin Power type Steam Builder NZGR Addington Workshops Build date 1902, 1943 Total produced 3
Specifications Configuration: ​  • Whyte 4-6-4T Gauge 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) Driver dia. 42.5 in (1.080 m) Adhesive weight 35 long tons (36 t) Loco weight 55.2 long tons (56.1 tonnes; 61.8 short tons) Fuel type Coal Firebox: ​  • Grate area 17.5 sq ft (1.63 m2) Boiler pressure 180 lbf/in2 (1,241 kPa) Heating surface 1,037 sq ft (96.3 m2) Cylinders Two, outside Cylinder size 16 in × 22 in (406 mm × 559 mm)
Performance figures Tractive effort 15,780 lbf (70.19 kN)
Career Operators NZR Locale West Coast Disposition Withdrawn, Scrapped

The three We class locomotives lasted until 1964.

See also

• NZR W class
• NZR W^A class
• NZR W^B class
• NZR W^D class
• NZR W^F class
• NZR W^G class
• NZR W^W class
• NZR W^S / W^AB class
• Locomotives of New Zealand

References

Bibliography

• Stewart, W. W. (1974). When Steam was King. Wellington: A. H. & A. W. Reed Ltd. ISBN 978-0-589-00382-1.
• Palmer, A. N.; Stewart, W. W. (1965). Cavalcade of New Zealand Locomotives. Wellington: A H. & A W. Reed. ISBN 978-0-207-94500-7.